Photo: 215 Pix

A second choice Union side did little to trouble the Portland Timbers, who never got out of second gear and comfortably put three past the visitors.

While it is hard to expect a second choice lineup to go out and get a result in one of the most difficult away matches of the year, Portland gave the Union every chance to grab a hold of the game but the Union were the polite guest and never obliged. While the defense looked strong for most of the match, two clumsy challenges from Fabinho and Warren Creavalle gifted Portland an undeserved 2-0 lead. With the Union attack continuing to sputter, it was all the Timber’s needed to see out the three points, adding gloss to the score line with a stoppage time goal off a set play.

Player Ratings

Andre Blake – 4

Can’t blame the goalkeeper much for not saving two penalties. The third goal on the other hand was a mess and Blake should have been in better position to at least make a real attempt at saving the looping header. Finished with three saves on the night.

Keegan Rosenberry – 5

Five recoveries and two clearances on the evening for the right back. Failed to drive forward and combine with Herbers like we’ve seen in the past.

Jack Elliott – 6

Restored to the lineup after Mark McKenzie was ruled out, an okay return from Elliott. The center back finished with seven clearances and five recoveries. He even put a looping header on goal for one of the Union’s three shots on target.

Auston Trusty – 6

Continues to be the most consistent Union defender. Did well to deal with Portland danger man Armenteros for most of the evening, preventing the striker from even getting a shot off.

Fabinho -2

We haven’t seen much of Fabinho this season and seemingly for good reason. Given the armband on the night, the Brazilian put in one of his worst performances in recent memory. Alvas Powell treated the left back like a practice cone and eventually drew a penalty to set up the Timber’s second goal. Fire up the sun rocket.

Warren Creavalle – 2

A decent first half from Creavalle that allowed the Union to control the midfield turned south in the second half when the holding midfielder seemed a step behind the Timber’s attack, culminating in a terrible challenge to gift Portland the lead through their first penalty.

Derick Jones – 5

A solid if unspectacular performance from the Academy product, who hadn’t started a league match since last July. Had one of the best opportunities to score on the night, firing a fierce effort that Jeff Attinella parried away after a clever run to the back post.

Borek Dockal – 3

Was it the cross country trip? The pitch in Portland? Whatever it was, the Union #10 never quite found his range on the evening and put in one of his poorest performances. Rightfully substituted in the 74^th minute, most likely with an eye toward Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup Semi-final.

Marcus Epps – 3

Never really seemed to find the game starting on the left wing. When Epps has been successful this season, he’s been positive and direct, going straight at opponent’s back lines. He got little chance to do it on Saturday night and ended the night without having attempted a single cross or completing a successful dribble.

Fabian Herbers – 5

The forgotten man started on the right side and had a decent evening. Finished with two key passes but only 1 of his 4 crosses found a teammate.

C.J. Sapong – 3

Finished with two of the three Union shots on target of the evening, but neither really threatened Attinella’s goal. Found himself going 1 v 4 a few times in the first half, but failed to bring his teammates into the attack from those situations.

Subs

Fafa Picault – 4

Came on in the 58^th minute for Epps and found little joy attacking down the left. Finished with no successful dribbles and one key pass.

Alejandro Bedoya – 4

Replaced Jones in the 66^th minute. Finished 11/13 passing but failed to get the limp Union attack firing on the night. Got beaten on Portland’s third goal, with Guzman simply outjumping the midfielder.

Haris Medunjanin – 4

Replaced Dockal in the 74^th minute but like Bedoya, failed to pull enough strings to get the Union attack going.

Geiger Counter

Alan Kelly – 3

Inconsisent on the evening, missing a number of clear fouls for both teams. Bought whatever Portland was selling in the second half, giving a free kick just about every time a Timbers player hit the pitch.

Player of the Match – Alvas Powell

Had a field day attacking Fabinho, seemingly rounding the left back every time he got the ball. Drew the second Portland penalty by allowing Fabinho to make a poor tackle inside the box.